sweetsue

I'm surprised there isn't more discussion on the topic of bites, chewing and swallowing. I mean afterall, we are all big eaters at heart. I know I am particularilly interested in this area. I am pre-op. I've been thinking about it a lot. I've been eating lately like I'm heading for the electric chair. I wonder if people will notice me taking small bites and then chewing, chewing, chewing, chewing. I'm thinking perhaps I should carry a cloth napkin in my purse at all times just in case I need to hurl before I can get to the ladies room. Just think about it.... ladies take forever in the bathroom and we often stand in line for a long time for our turn. I understand that some foods don't taste that great when chewed up so much. I think I will really, really miss bread. But I at this point, I would do anything to be 75# thinner. I really can't wait to be banded and filled so I can see first hand what it's all about.

I called Dr. Barba (on vacation) but the office people say yes he will do it for $150 cash. I did not know about Dr. Guiliani but I will try to call him too.

I'm not yet banded, but given that fact that my plan is to keep it a secret from everyone I know, I'm thinking about being at family dinners, dinner parties, restaurants, after I've eat my tiny portion - And I can imagine people will say things like, "what's wrong? why aren't you eating? don't you like the food? have some more!". I quit drinking for alchohalic reasons and I deal with people pushing drinks on me all the time. It's funny how well-intentioned people can be so pushy sometimes with food and drink. I'll guess I'll just say, no thanks, I'm dieting and so I'm cutting down on my portions.

Congratulations! I'm also live in CT and I'm scheduled for the band on 9/29 in Tijuana Mexico. It's on my mind 24/7, I'm sure it's the same for you . I feel like I won the lottery and a year from now I will be a thin person. Yahoo! Susan

As far as what details Human Resources needs to know, I'm not quite sure. If your company employs and umbudsman, that may be a good place to start. Try to obtain an STD form and take a look at it and see what it says. Also, ask your doctor. According to your doctor and your insurance company, you require surgery that was deemed medically necessary. What more do they need to know?

When I get banded next month I too plan to keep it a secret from family and friends. I am a stay-at-home mom so I don't have the work issues to deal with. However, a few years ago I dealt with the same thing when I had breast reduction surgery. I told my boss I wished to keep the reason for my short-term-disability and FMLA confidential. End of story. I worked for a health insurance company. I know about HIPAA laws (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and medical confidentiality is taken very seriously these days. So you are not obligated to tell anyone (not even your boss) anything about your medical business. Co-workers can sit and wonder why is she absent (maybe she went to detox, maybe cosmetic surgery, disease treatment, a sex change, hemoroid surgery, a psychiatric institution???) Let them guess. Who cares what they think. Just tell them you prefer to keep your all your medical matters private and keep your head high. The only people who need to know are human resources - and they must keep this info confidential too. Good luck!

Starbucks provides health benefits to all it's employees, even the part-timers. So that makes me feel a little better if I do sometimes pay a high price for their drinks. Mostly I'm a Dunkin Donuts girl. I am going to have to try that drink recipe. Thanks.

You are my inspiration! You look really hot in that suit. Congratulations! Susan

Thank you to all who replied and for all your great advice. I especially liked the tip from health1st who suggested I chew everything 30 times preop to get used to it and I have been doing this. I'm scheduled to be banded on 9/28. Now when I eat various foods I think to myself, this may be the last time I eat this (celery, pizza, soda, Pasta, etc). Now that I have surgery scheduled, I've been eating a bit recklessly because I know I'm heading for the BIG SHUT-DOWN and my long love affair with food will soon be over. Thanks again everyone. Susan

I had reduction surgery when I was 50 lbs lighter, now I'm at 205 and need to lose 75. I hope everything stretches back to be look somewhat appealing. For best results, don't opt to do the keyhole method, do the newer method with fewer stitches on the top of the breast. Don't remove the bandages or stitches too early. Also, I suggest you wear scar solution silicone bandaids for a long time to help reduce scarring. I had 3lbs lifted off my chest and I didn't find any big difference on the stress or wieght on my back after surgery but was pleased with the results anyways. Good luck! Susan